NEW YORK - Regular viewers of "Live with Kelly and Ryan" know Michael Gelman is the producer, as he's often seen bantering with the hosts. But fans of "Live" may also recognize his wife Laurie, a former television reporter, from her appearances on the show through the years.

Millions have watched her kids grow up on the show, and "Live" has taken her family from our house at ABC7 all the way to the White House. When it came to writing her first book, Laurie Gelman chose a topic close to home, her years as a "Class Mom."

"I did it because I thought it would be cool," Gelman said. "And the first time I got asked to do it, I thought I'd won the lottery."

Her friend Kelly Ripa warned Gelman that serving as a liaison between parents and teachers was a thankless job.